Royal Australian Air Force welcomes first Japanese F-35A international deployment.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has welcomed a visit by Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-35A Lightning II aircraft and personnel to Australia, marking the first time Japan has deployed these aircraft overseas. Two F-35As and a contingent of 55 personnel from the JASDF are being hosted at RAAF Base Tindal from 26 to 29 August after making the 6,400-kilometre trip to Australia’s top end.

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  A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II arrives at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory (Picture source: RAAF)

Japanese Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs Serizawa Kiyoshi and Ambassador for Japan, His Excellency Suzuki Kazuhiro, visited JASDF personnel at RAAF Base Tindal on August 28 as guests of Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Robert Chipman.

The visit by the F-35As follows the entry into force of the Australia–Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement, which facilitates deeper and more sophisticated practical cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Secretary of the Department of Defence, Greg Moriarty: “Australia is honoured to be chosen as the destination for Japan’s first international deployment of its F-35As. This is a significant milestone in the relationship between our two countries, and is the first activity to be held under the Reciprocal Access Agreement. In September, we will reciprocate this visit with six RAAF F-35As deploying to Japan for Exercise Bushido Guardian 2023. Our special strategic partnership with Japan is critical to supporting an open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

Chief of the Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Rob Chipman AM, CSC: “This visit to Australia will build closer working-level relationships between our respective air forces, and enhance our mutual ability to cooperate in the Indo-Pacific region. “It’s our pleasure to host the Japan Air Self-Defense Force for this visit, and we look forward to seeing them return for future exercises here in Australia. Developing our mutual understanding, especially in how we each operate the F-35A, is essential to how Australia and Japan contribute to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific.”

Lieutenant Colonel Okamoto Kazuhito (left), Commander of 301st Squadron Japan Air Self-Defense Force, exchanges a coin with Wing Commander Martin Parker, Commanding Officer of No.75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory (Picture source: RAAF)